Apart from your mortgage, as a homeowner, your heating system bills are likely the biggest costs in your home. The good news is that these costs are variable, which means that there is a lot that you can do to keep them low. It all starts with energy conservation.
The less you use, the less you pay. There are tricks to heating your home effectively while keeping costs down. Ready to stay warm and save money at the same time this winter in Erlanger, KY? Here is what you need to know.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
The breeze from your ceiling fans isn’t just effective at keeping cool in the summer; it is also a great way to keep warm in the winter without jacking up the heat.
Your fan runs counter-clockwise in the summer; in the winter change the direction to clockwise. That’s because warm air and cold air move differently.
The movement of the fan blades, along with the rising warm air, cause a downdraft, which moves warm air effectively back down through the room.
You can turn your thermostat to a lower setting and reap the savings. It’s super easy to do as well. You simply flip the fan switch to reverse.
Windows and Doors: Seal the Gaps
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, one of the most cost-effective ways to make your home airtight is to use caulking and weather-stripping.
In fact, the savings are so significant that you can expect to see the full return on your investment within a year.
Inspect windows for loose seals and caulk them tightly. Take a look at your doors too. Are there any gaps in the frame?
Use weather stripping to make doors level and sit tightly in the frame. Warm air doesn’t need much air to escape.
Insulate Your Windows Carefully
Glass is porous, so unless you take steps to make sure that your windows are insulated, you risk heat loss.
Fortunately, insulating your windows is an easy job. The best way is to install window film.
Film insulation kits are available at most hardware stores, and this is an easy DIY you can get done in an afternoon.
Tape the film against the window frame and put in place. Use a hair dryer to mold it exactly in the right spot.
Another good way to insulate your windows is to hang insulated drapes. They are a great barrier to the cold outside and are efficient at keeping the heat inside.